Red Devil
Dec 20 2002, 10:51 PM
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has pledged his complete commitment to Liverpool as he looks to end a wretched run of form with victory in Sunday's Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Houllier has seen his side - seven points clear at the top of the table earlier in the season - pick up just one point from the last 18 available, although they also progressed to the last four of the Worthington Cup with a dramatic win over Aston Villa.
The poor sequence of league results has led to a minority of Liverpool fans calling for the Frenchman to step down as manager.
But Houllier, who underwent life-saving heart surgery in 2001, refuses to be negative and said: 'I think I am fortunate to be here and preparing for games like this after what has happened over the last year or so.
'My commitment is total. It has to be - it doesn't work if you are less committed, and spend less time working, when you are manager of Liverpool.
'You have to keep sharp in your mind. You can't say I will go back and work at 50 per cent capacity or 70 per cent capacity.
'You have to work with the team around you, which I do, but the only way the manager can work is with 100 per cent commitment.'
And he expressed his hope that the derby clash with in-form Everton - a point ahead of Liverpool in the table - could act as a springboard for the rest of his side's Premiership campaign.
The return to form of England midfielder Steven Gerrard has provided a major boost for Houllier and Liverpool, with Gerrard outstanding in the 4-3 cup triumph at Villa Park.
Houllier has seen his side - seven points clear at the top of the table earlier in the season - pick up just one point from the last 18 available, although they also progressed to the last four of the Worthington Cup with a dramatic win over Aston Villa.
The poor sequence of league results has led to a minority of Liverpool fans calling for the Frenchman to step down as manager.
But Houllier, who underwent life-saving heart surgery in 2001, refuses to be negative and said: 'I think I am fortunate to be here and preparing for games like this after what has happened over the last year or so.
'My commitment is total. It has to be - it doesn't work if you are less committed, and spend less time working, when you are manager of Liverpool.
'You have to keep sharp in your mind. You can't say I will go back and work at 50 per cent capacity or 70 per cent capacity.
'You have to work with the team around you, which I do, but the only way the manager can work is with 100 per cent commitment.'
And he expressed his hope that the derby clash with in-form Everton - a point ahead of Liverpool in the table - could act as a springboard for the rest of his side's Premiership campaign.
The return to form of England midfielder Steven Gerrard has provided a major boost for Houllier and Liverpool, with Gerrard outstanding in the 4-3 cup triumph at Villa Park.